Kerner
Kerner is an aromatic white grape variety. It was bred in 1929 by August Herold by crossing Trollinger (a red variety also known as Schiava grossa or Vernatsch) and Riesling. Herold was working at a plant breeding station in Lauffen in the Württemberg region of Germany . This station belonged to a state breeding institute headquartered. It received varietal protection and was released for general cultivation in 1969.
In Ontario it is a very rare variety. It is also known as Trollinger x Riesling. The season began with a mild winter and by June the vines were well into the growth cycle. Rief winery produces a Kerner wine. A second Kerner Nouveau is also produced called Hanging Man
Kerner is one of the first white grapes harvested. The key with this variety is to never over-ripen the fruit.
Pillitteri Estates Winery produces a Kerner Icewine
In British Columbia the grape accounts for less than 1% of those grown in the province. Oliver Twist winery on the Black Sage Bench has done very well with grape. Recline Ridge in the norther Okanagan has produced award winning Kerner wine. Summer gate winery in Summerland also has been awarded medal for their Kerner. We can not forget about one of BC oldest Wineries when it comes to Kerner wine. Gray Monk has tow vineyards producing Kerner grapes
In BC the wines have a touch of sweetness with a lemon aroma follow by pear and peaches.
Now if you are Lucky you may come across a bottle of Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Kerner Icewine. If you do buy it. Its amazing
Oliver Twist Estate WineryThe LCCBO writes Kerner is an exciting and unique grape for Ontario. A cross between the red grape Trollinger and Riesling, it's grown throughout Germany where it's beloved for its Riesling-like wines with impressive acidity and ageability. This example from Lakeview Cellars offers notes of orange peel citrus and integrated acidity. Vibrant and fruity with a sharp, crisp finish. Enjoy this with fish, or chicken in a creamy sauce.
LakeView Cellars produces a very nice Kerner. Kerner Icewine can be found at Pillitteri.
Robert A Bell